BEEVILLE – “I’m excited about taking on a new challenge,” says Eddie Salazar, who defeated Matt Huie Saturday for the Sub-District 1 seat on the Beeville Independent School District board of trustees.

Salazar won 661 to 572.

“I really haven’t been caught up with what’s been going on with the school board,” he says, “but, I’m sure I will get filled in when I get there on what issues are at hand.”

He says he is concerned that BISD is “one of the lowest-paid districts when it comes to paying teachers.”

Salazar’s sister, Viola, already is on the board.

“I don’t think that will cause any problems,” he says. “My sister has her own mindset. We’re two separate individuals; there’s nothing illegal about it, and it’s a non-paying position.”

Three of Salazar’s four children are enrolled in BISD schools, which he says convinced him that now was the time to run for the school board.

“It was my decision to run,” he says, “I wasn’t talked into it by anyone.”

Huie, whose six-year tenure on the board has been characterized by a disciplined assessment of budgetary matters, was stoic about his defeat.

“It’s not about religion or race. My campaign was about the students,” he says. “I’m a farmer, so by nature, I’m used to disappointment. You do the best you can. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. No worries.”

Bill Clough is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 122, or at beepic@mySouTex.com.

“I really haven’t been caught up with what’s been going on with the school board,” he says, “but, I’m sure I will get filled in when I get there on what issues are at hand.”

How can a person, in good conscience, run for an office and not have an idea of the issues? Why did he run?? Moreover, how can voters in good conscience elect someone who admits he is out of touch? It's a shame that this quote didn't come out before the election.